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Critical Analysis of Pop Phenomena

Tagged with Konstantin Monastyrsky

Last week I wrote about the Konstantin Monastyrsky and the poor application of science and the use of mostly anecdote in his ideas as to what the human diet should be. Through most of my research on his ideas, it didn’t have much basis in science, although it didn’t seem like he was purposely being misleading. It also didn’t seem his ideas had much harm, as the diet he proposes is one that would be more or less healthy from what I can tell. However, Mr. Monastyrsky seems to have an agenda of anti-science when one looks deeper into his website.

The piece on his website that really shocked me with its misleading information was one claiming MiraLAX is causing neuropsychiatric events. MiraLAX is a mild laxative made from Polyethylene Glycol 3350. The compound is sold by many companies, with MiraLAX being the most common or at least the most recognized brand name. The appeal is it is a non-stimulant and works by drawing water into the colon and is passed out rather than being absorbed into the body. Although not approved for use in children, it is very commonly prescribed to children with problems with constipation because it is effective and the low occurrence of side effects. However, much like other things we give to kids to improve their health, the hysteria has started and some parents are looking for any reason to panic about giving it to their kids. Mr. Monastyrsky seems to have bought into feeding the hysteria. Continue reading →